Dear Nikki,

I’m a 19-year-old African- American female who’s just getting started into Korean fashion, which I love! My friends are my fashion gurus so they constantly try to help me and I’m very grateful for.

But my problem is my unique skin tone (think of it as a piece of Dove milk chocolate), making it hard for me to find colors that can compliment it. Usually I wear the same colors over and over which can get pretty annoying. How can I broaden my colors in my wardrobe while still looking magnificent? I love colors that stand out! I’m about 169 cm and petite so I wear small sizes.

Ruth

Well hello, Ruth, you lovely thing you! I love it when my readers give me new challenges and believe you’re not the first one to ask me this question. Lately, my inbox has been overflowing with questions from people who want to try Asian fashion to suit their own skin color.

I always say this and will keep doing so even when I’m no longer on the face of the planet: LOVE YOURSELF. Let me say up front that you can try any trend, and trying eventually leads to discovering the style that suits your personality. You can still definitely rock Asian fashion while adding your own unique spin. And did you have to mention chocolate?!

Ever heard of “udoli”? My very reliable fashion sources say that it could be the next big thing for dark-skinned beauties. The word comes from the Zulu word for “doll”. Udoli combines the femininity and spunk of Asian styles but flavored well with a hint of tribal or ethnic influences. Think animal prints, beads, colorful accessories and a riot of colors. Earth tones have universal appeal so don’t be afraid to experiment. Along with color, prints and patterns are your next best bet to spicing up your wardrobe.

Since I’m not sure what aspect of Korean fashion you’re into exactly or the colors you like, let me give you ideas on how you can rock Asian fashion as only you can!

Prints and Patterns – Animal prints, florals, polka dots, girl you can get away with anything. Udoli tend to go for animal and tribal prints, because the more exotic, the better. Shop for pieces that have lots of detail like distressing, studs, beads and rhinestones. You can also start simply with accessories like a leopard- or zebra-print scarf and work your way through one piece at a time.

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